Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-50
Rooming houses, hotels and motels: responsibilities of operators
Operative Text
Rooming house, hotel and motel operators shall be responsible for compliance with the provisions of this chapter in regard to the following: A. Limiting occupancy to the maximum permitted by this chapter. B. Maintenance of safe and sanitary conditions in all parts of the premises. C. Maintenance and operation of all required service facilities. D. Maintenance of all plumbing, cooking and refrigeration fixtures and appliances within his control, as well as the building equipment and facilities, in an operative, clean and sanitary condition. E. Sanitary maintenance of walls, floors and ceilings. F. Keeping exits clear and unencumbered. G. Disposal of building garbage and refuse in a clean and sanitary manner. H. Extermination of insects, rodents or other pests on the premises. I. Maintaining of yards, lawns and courts in a clean, sanitary and safe condition and free from infestation. J. Hanging and removing required screens.
Section 167-50 of Schenectady's Code of Ordinances places a broad set of maintenance and safety responsibilities squarely on the operators of rooming houses, hotels, and motels—not on individual occupants. These duties cover everything from capping occupancy at permitted limits and keeping exits clear, to exterminating pests, maintaining plumbing and refrigeration equipment, and properly disposing of garbage. The provision treats the operator as the accountable party for the overall habitability and safety of the entire premises.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of rooming houses, hotels, and motels subject to § 167-50 are generally expected to maintain active, documented compliance across all areas listed in the provision—occupancy limits, sanitation, pest control, plumbing, refuse disposal, screens, and exterior grounds. Compliant operators typically conduct regular inspections of common areas, service facilities, and building systems to catch and correct deficiencies before they become code violations. Keeping records of maintenance activities, extermination services, and refuse disposal arrangements can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with Chapter 167.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 167-50, the operator of a rooming house, hotel, or motel bears responsibility for conditions such as pest infestations, unsanitary common areas, blocked exits, and malfunctioning plumbing—not the occupants. Tenants or guests who observe violations of these standards may report concerns to Schenectady's local code enforcement office, which administers Chapter 167. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Schenectady housing law can help occupants understand what documentation to gather and what complaint processes may be available to them.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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